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Getting Whacked with the Sopranos

Posted: Tuesday, June 05, 2007

By Jack Bettridge

Things aren't going so hot for Tony Soprano. Bobby Bacala took the last Lionel train to Whacksville. Silvio Dante forgot a cardinal mob rule: if you're going to a gunfight, have your gun ready. And Tony's only son, Baby Bing, acted as if his last pink tutu faded in the wash. But at least somebody's being proactive as the Jersey mob boss prepares to ride off into the Pine Barrens on Sunday. John Martello, bartender of Hoboken's Gaslight, has created cocktails for Jim Beam to toast the don's last stand and the final episode of "The Sopranos."

The drinks all are named with a general mob or specific Sopranos reference and feature Jim Beam products that include Bourbon, Scotch, vodka and liqueurs.

The cast from the April 2001 cover of Cigar Aficionado magazine

WHACKED RUSSIAN
The "Whacked Russian" gives a nod to the growing presence of vodka-drinking, non-Sicilians in this thing of theirs. It might be a good episode starter as well as, as it delivers a fortifying shot of caffeine.

2 parts Absolut Vodka
1 part Starbucks Coffee Liqueur
1 shot Starbucks Cream Liqueur
Shot of espresso

Shake the vodka, Starbucks Coffee Liqueur and espresso. Pour over a tall glass with ice and top with the Starbucks Cream Liqueur.

MADE MARTINI

The Made Martini
If you're strictly surrounding yourself with wiseguys and goodfellas you can trust, try the Made Martini that uses the new member of the Jim Beam family, Maker's Mark.

1 part Maker's Mark Bourbon
1/2 part DeKuyper Triple Sec Liqueur
1/2 part fresh lime juice
1/2 part cranberry juice
Flamed orange twist

Shake Bourbon, triple sec, lime and cranberry juice vigorously in a shaker with ice. Strain into a Martini glass. Take the orange twist (French cut) and, with a match, flame over the drink. Discard the twist.

CARMELA SUPREME
The decadent "Carmela Supreme" may offer a bit of comfort to the long-suffering First Lady of the New Jersey Mob as she awaits word of Tony's fate in her new spec house with only her feckless son to protect her. It's said to go great with her famous ricotta pie…or maybe a stack of Johnny Cakes.

2 parts Courvoisier VSOP Cognac
2 scoops of quality strawberry jam (with fruit chunks) or 1/2 part DeKuyper
Pucker Strawberry Passion Schnapps
1 squeeze of lemon
Semi-sweet sparkling wine

In a glass shaker add Courvoisier, jam (or DeKuyper Pucker Strawberry Passion) and lemon juice. Mix with a muddler or bar spoon. Add ice to the glass shaker, then sparkling wine. Stir the mixture softly and slowly so as not to disturb the bubbles. Strain into a Champagne flute and garnish with a strawberry slice.

BADA BING

The Bada Bing
If you desire more lusty female accompaniment at your "Sopranos" send-off, consider The "Bada Bing."

2 parts Dalmore Scotch Whisky
1 part Drambuie Scotch Whisky
Splash of DeKuyper Amaretto Liqueur
Lemon zest

Tightly pack a rocks glass with ice and pour the Dalmore first, then the Drambuie. Top off with the Amaretto, and garnish with lemon zest. Save your singles and get ready to dance!

JERSEY-TINI
The "Jersey-tini" celebrates the idea that "there's more to the Garden State than its turnpike and waste management industry."

1 1/2 parts Sauza Hornitos Tequila
1/2 part DeKuyper Triple Sec Liqueur
1/4 part DeKuyper Tropical Mango Liqueur
Splash of fresh orange juice
Splash of fresh lime juice

Combine all ingredients and shake vigorously. Pour in a salt-rimmed Martini glass and garnish with an orange zest.

THE FINAL WHACK

The Final Whack
"The Final Whack" may be the most telling of the Sopranos cocktails. It includes Peychaud bitters, a product made by the company that also produces a Bourbon rival to Jim Beam, Buffalo Trace. Is there a traitor in Tony's midst?

2 parts Knob Creek Bourbon
1 part Sambuca (white)
1/2 part DeKuyper Crème de Cacao (white) Schnapps
1-2 dashes of Peychaud's Bitters

Fill a snifter with ice and add the Sambuca. Swirl the Sambuca around to season and chill the snifter, and let sit. In an ice-filled shaker add Knob Creek, Crème de Cacao and Peychaud's Bitters. Stir well. Empty the ice and Sambuca out of the snifter. The glass should be chilled and seasoned. Strain the Knob Creek mixture into the seasoned snifter.

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